In-situ Rock Coring System with Dynamic Core Catcher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coring tools face challenges in maintaining in-situ conditions of rock samples during extraction, struggling with hard rock sampling, slow drilling speed, rapid tool wear, and short service life, due to inadequate temperature and pressure control, and inefficient core retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The in-situ condition-retaining coring system comprises a driving module, retaining module, and coring module, featuring a drill machine with an outer cylinder unlocking mechanism, a core catcher with annular base and jaws, and a storage cylinder with liquid nitrogen and energy accumulator for temperature and pressure control, along with a two-stage drill bit and spiral grooves for enhanced drilling efficiency and core retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional core catchers are used to retain soft rock cores, then core retention is achieved, but hard rock sampling becomes difficult and tool wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core catcher jaws are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position and configuration based on the core material being captured. This dynamic mechanism enables the same tool to effectively retain both soft and hard rock cores without excessive wear or failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the core catcher jaws during operation. The jaws transition from a retracted state during drilling to an extended and locked state during core retention, adapting their geometric parameters to match different core hardness levels and sizes.
2Productivity
If the coring drilling tool operates continuously without unlocking mechanisms, then drilling progress is maintained, but the outer barrel constraint prevents optimal drilling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The outer barrel is pre-locked during the initial positioning and approach phase to ensure stability and prevent premature activation. The unlocking mechanism is designed to automatically release the barrel constraint at the optimal moment, allowing the drilling tool to achieve full operational efficiency without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking mechanism is integrated into the drilling system itself, using the drilling process parameters (such as torque or depth) to automatically trigger the barrel unlock sequence. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control and ensures the barrel is released at the precise moment when drilling performance requires it.
3Ease of manufacture
If the core storage chamber temperature and pressure are reduced during equipment rise, then equipment transport is simplified, but the core cannot maintain its in-situ conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase transition materials (such as phase change panels or thermally responsive gels) that undergo reversible phase changes in response to temperature variations. These materials absorb or release thermal energy to maintain a stable internal environment within the core storage chamber, protecting the core from temperature and pressure fluctuations during transport and recovery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system maintains the in-situ conditions of rock samples by automatic heating and cooling, pressure regulation, and efficient core retention, improving drilling speed and tool longevity while preventing contamination and ensuring accurate core sampling.
Implementation Method 1
the upper end of the inner coring barrel is communicated with a liquid nitrogen storage tank
Implementation Method 2
the upper end of the inner coring barrel is communicated with a liquid nitrogen storage tank, and the liquid nitrogen storage tank is located in the outer coring barrel
Implementation Method 3
The rock core sample retaining compartment further comprises an electric heater, a temperature sensor, an electric control valve
Implementation Method 4
The energy accumulator is communicated with the outer coring barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the in-situ retained coring of a rock sample has a driving module (300), a retaining module (200), and a coring module (100) which are connected in sequence. The coring module (100) includes a rock core drilling tool and a rock core sample storage cylinder, the retaining module (200) includes a rock core sample retaining compartment. The driving module includes a coring drill machine that has a drill machine outer cylinder unlocking mechanism. The rock core drilling tool includes a coring drill tool, a core catcher (11), and an inner core pipe (12). The coring drill tool has an outer core pipe (13) and a hollow drill bit (14). The rock core sample retaining compartment has an inner coring cylinder (28), an outer coring cylinder (26), and an energy accumulator (229).